I've always looked to Mahatma Gandhi as an inspiration, because he embodies the kind of transformational change that can be made when ordinary people come together to do extraordinary things. His values of compassion and understanding as well as determination inspired me in my own struggle and continue to be a source of inspiration for me today.

Gandhi inspired a generation to believe in truth, honesty and decency. He gave birth to a global movement of passive resistance and eschewed violence as a means to an end. He inspired giants like Rev Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement in the US. And he inspired Nelson Mandela in his struggle against apartheid.

Gandhi wasn't a ruler of nations, nor did he have scientific gifts. Yet this modest man did what others before him couldn't. He led an entire country to freedom and he gave his people hope.

The non-violent raid tactic that became a hallmark of Ghandi's resistance against British rule can be traced back to the struggle for home rule in India and the raids on the Dharasana Salt Works – in protest against a salt tax and the prohibition of private salt making.

During the raids, columns of volunteers – as many as 2,500 at a time – gathered, walked silently and bravely defied the heavily guarded mines, knowing they would be beaten and perhaps killed. Some had to watch their colleagues collapse and die right before them, as they marched on to face the same dangerous fate. This powerful and moving scene was captured in David Attenborough's 1982 movie, Gandhi.

The raids were a perfect example of how non-violent action can undermine ruling powers by dramatising the contrast between steadfast resistance and ruthless repression. As a result of the raids, the British empire's power and credibility in the colonies, and indeed around the world, suffered an irreparable blow. Perhaps more importantly, the raids on Dharasana brought a shining new tactic to the arsenal of non-violent militancy.

It's therefore bitterly disappointing that, at the dawn of the 21st century, we don't appear to have learnt these lessons, or heeded the words of one of the greatest humanitarians of our time.

Kanya King is founder of the Mobo Awards, which take place tonight (Wednesday)